Proud Moment: Winning the La Trobe 3 Minute Thesis Competition!

I’m thrilled to share that I was just awarded first prize in the La Trobe University 3 Minute Thesis Competition, standing out among 10 talented competitors. This incredible recognition comes with a $4,000 prize, which I’ll be investing in creating a podcast on research around Srebrenica, building on my book of essays, and furthering my academic journey.
 
The experience was a whirlwind—receiving the prize, battling imposter syndrome, and realising just how much my work has impacted me over the years. Presenting my thesis in just three minutes helped me clarify my arguments and renewed my confidence after seven intense years immersed in research.
 
Here are three key takeaways I’d love to share:
 
Stepping out of your comfort zone leads to clarity. Summarising years of work in three minutes challenged me, but it ultimately made my arguments sharper and my mission clearer.
 
Recognition and support matter. Winning a competition like this not only boosts confidence, but also provides critical resources and motivation to continue meaningful research.
 
Imposter syndrome is real—even in moments of success. Acknowledging your doubts doesn’t make achievements any less real; embracing your journey makes the milestone even sweeter.
 
Next up: I’ll be representing La Trobe at the next national heat against other universities. Here’s to pushing boundaries and growing through every unexpected challenge! 🚀